How Probate Works in Tennessee
Tennessee has no single statewide "probate court" — most counties route probate through Chancery Court's Clerk and Master, while Nashville and Memphis each have a dedicated Probate Court of their own.
Probate court
Chancery Court (Clerk and Master); a dedicated Probate Court exists in Davidson and Shelby Counties
Typical timeframe
6–12 months typical
Small-estate affidavit limit
$50,000
Simplified probate limit
No flat dollar limit — see below
Creditor claim deadline
120 days
Community property state
No
Does Tennessee require probate?
Probate is required for solely-titled assets. Tennessee has no distinct dollar-gated "simplified probate" tier separate from the small-estate affidavit — full administration is gated by whether the matter is contested, not by estate size.
How to avoid full probate in Tennessee
- Small-estate affidavit — up to $50,000 in personal property, filed with the clerk of the court at least 45 days after death. Real property is excluded and requires a court proceeding.
- A bond, generally equal to the estate value, may be required unless waived.
The probate process in Tennessee
In 93 of Tennessee's 95 counties, probate jurisdiction sits with the Chancery Court, exercised by the Clerk and Master. Davidson County (Nashville) and Shelby County (Memphis) each have a dedicated Probate Court instead.
Creditor claims in Tennessee
Creditors who received actual notice must file within 4 months of first publication or posting — a hard bar. Creditors who did not receive actual notice have an outer deadline of 12 months from the date of death.
Let Estate Assist handle the rest
Estate Assist reads the estate's documents, builds a personalized checklist, and drafts the letters you need — so you're not piecing this together alone.
Start your free action plan →Frequently asked questions
My county doesn't have a 'Probate Court' — where do I even file?
Chancery Court, through the Clerk and Master, unless you're in Davidson or Shelby County, each of which has its own dedicated Probate Court.
What happens if there's no will?
Tennessee's intestate succession statute controls distribution, and the court appoints an administrator to handle the estate.
Does the small-estate affidavit cover a house?
No — it's limited to personal property. Real property requires a court proceeding regardless of value.
Related guides
Probate in other states
Tennessee figures checked against Justia — Tennessee Code §30-4-102 (Small Estates) on July 22, 2026. Probate rules, thresholds, and deadlines change and are frequently adjusted for inflation; confirm current figures before relying on them. Estate Assist provides general information, not legal, financial, or tax advice.